'thinking'
"talking"
"Demon talking"
"JUSTU!"
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, though I wish I did sometimes or at least that I could myself perform the shadow clone jutsu. That way I could do everything I want and need to do throughout the day with no worries about having chores left over for the following day.
It was a normal day for our blonde jinchuriki and the glares that he was getting were worse today. It so happened that the kyubi attack and his birthday coincided, and normally he would avoid being in public but he had run out of food in his apartment. He would normally just go hungry, but seeing as he hadn't eaten the day before because he had trained himself into the ground he was in desperate need of food.
As it turned out, so far glares were the only thing that he had received so far, he knew that soon once people started to go out for the festival that was held later in the day that it would escalate to violence, it always did. That was why he learned at an early age to avoid being outside on his birthday. Or at least if he was outside, to be in his secret hiding spot, he always went there when the ANBU or jonin were chasing him. That was always how he got away.
However, he had cleaned out that stash of food the other day, so here he was walking down the streets, looking for at least one place to serve him a little bit of food, even if it was overpriced, and possibly poisoned. He needed what he could get. Though the poison never really worked, it just gave him some major diarrhea. It was better than nothing, until he at the last minute spotted a stand that was slightly farther from the others, wafting a heavenly smell. Thus was the beginning of the relationship for Ichiraku Ramen Stand and Naruto's love of ramen.
(Later in the evening)
He had left the ramen stand about 10 minutes after the festival started, he hadn't realized the time, and now he was paying for it. He had been followed, and he knew it as soon as he left. Though he acted like he was stupid, he wasn't. He was far from being a genius, however, he knew how to be aware of his surroundings, I mean when you're beaten on the one day that you should truly be celebrating, and every other day of your life you're always looking over your shoulder; who wouldn't be aware?
Now he had to find a way to lose them, however, he knew that there were some ninja in the group; there always was one that was hoping to get lucky enough to end his life. He didn't understand why they did this, what had he done in the few short years of his life that had garnered the hatred of all the civilians, and most of the ninja populous. Though, he had figured out it had something to do with being called a demon.
Some of the ANBU that watch him try to tell him that he's not a demon, and those who are ignorant enough to call him one don't know what they are talking about. He was Uzumaki Naruto, and a proud citizen of one of the great 5 elemental nations. Every time he was told this though he wanted to ask if other orphans were watched by the ANBU like he was. But then he had to think to himself how many other orphans were the target of the majority of hatred from the population.
Returning from his thoughts, he decided to run and avoid them till he could safely get to his hide-a-way. As he started to run through the alleys that he had learned to map out mentally a long time ago for when he was escaping during his pranks, he hadn't realized that in his haste he made a wrong turn and ended up in a dead end. Sighing to himself in resignation and at the beating with which he was about to endure he wondered once again what it was that he had done.
He knew it wasn't the pranks, because he only did small ones as of now, so nothing ever got damaged and he knew it wasn't because he was an orphan, he had seen at the orphanage how the others were treated and it was a hundred times better than him.
Watching as his soon to be attackers closed in on him, he noticed that most of the civilians had not been able to keep up with him, and the ones that had either were in really good physical shape, or weren't in the crowd when it had started. 'They must have just noticed the mob, and everyone knows why a mob this sized is formed in the city.' Naruto thought to himself, and in that bright moment he had a great idea, slowly so as not to attract attention to himself he built up a slight amount of chakra, he didn't know any of the academy jutsu really well as they had all just been taught the other day. He had a general idea of how it worked.
Picturing in his mind what he wanted to do, which was substitute himself with one of the books that he had stashed away in his area, and the general location of where it was, he did the hand sign for it and attempted it. However, as soon as the ninja saw the hand sign, they automatically thought that the 'demon brat' was going to fight back, and most of them threw a kunai or shuriken in which to stop him.
One hit Naruto in his upper thigh on his left leg, another hit his right arm, and the last that actually hit him, hit right next to his heart. The mob watched as Naruto fell to the ground, and blood pooled around his body, and soon they were upon him, beating and kicking him everywhere. The young boy knew none of this was happening to him, neither did he know that a red film of chakra was slowly building around his small malnourished body.
Eventually the people beating him did notice and stepped back in fright as the boy stood, red chakra pouring from his pores. "You are all fools, this boy is not the one you should be beating, he is himself and I am me. However, since you can't see past your own stupidity and hatred you will now be faced to see the second coming!" With that said the Kyubi no Yoko had arrested temporary control of his container and slaughtered those that had beaten the young blonde boy.
That was the day that Naruto learned about the Kyubi being sealed inside of him, and though he couldn't fault the Yondaime, for he understood the circumstances of sealing it into an adult, he wondered why he was chosen. He wasn't the only newborn that day, however, he did come to one conclusion, he wanted to be a better Hokage than any of the previous ones, including the forth!
Today was a sunny day in Konohagakure and low and behold a month had passed since Naruto's beating and subsequent release of the Kyubi, even though it was only for a few moments. Naruto was passed out after the attack, and had been comatose ever since due to the density of the chakra that had flooded his system.
He'd had few visitors, though some of them had to be forcibly removed via ANBU and taken to Ibiki and Anko-chan for a nice chat about trying to kill a defenseless child. All of the people though tried to refute the defenselessness of the kid. However, one visitor had come by every day, and she was a shy little girl, whom some would say was dark, and weird, who always stuttered, and blushed while in the presence of our favorite blonde knucklehead.
Every day she would come and visit him, and just make sure that he was still breathing and hopefully one day when she would come by he would be awake. Every night, she would be escorted home by her mother, who would have a small smile upon her face, as she looked at her eldest daughter and the ever cheerful blonde boy, who had seemingly caught her daughter's attention.
Hina Hyuuga was a beautiful woman with her long straight silky hair, and slightly lavender pupil-less eyes that were a sign of the byakugan. She knew exactly who the young boy was, and though she did enjoy his antics, she didn't condone them. However, she completely understood why he did what he did. He was crying out for attention, whether good or bad, and she had to commend him for the sole fact that he was almost impossible to catch. She knew of only two people who could catch him, and one of them was currently stuck behind a desk doing a mountain of paperwork.
The other was a young Chunin, named Iruka, who had become a teacher at the academy a few years ago. Though she remembered a time when Iruka had also been much like Naruto in the way he expressed his want of attention. Although, more often than not Iruka would be caught within the hour, it normally took at least five hours to catch Naruto.
Today was no different, she would escort Hinata to the hospital to check upon the young blond boy, and hope that he was awake. She would then leave for an hour or so to do some small errands and return to pick up her daughter to return to the Hyuuga compound for the night. The only difference with today was that they weren't allowed to see the young blonde boy because the ANBU wouldn't allow them to pass into his room. "I apologize Lady Hyuuga, however, today he will not be receiving visitors. As per Hokage-Sama's wishes."
"May I inquire as to why ANBU-san, there has never been a day when I have not at least been able to check upon young Uzumaki-san and I would like to know of his condition." Hina Hyuuga said in a quiet however, demanding voice.
"Once again I apologize Hyuuga-sama; however, I am not at liberty to say. You may attempt to come back tomorrow; however, today Young Uzumaki-san is not to be disturbed." The ANBU said, politely however, with a tone of finality to it that stated that no more questions were to be asked, because he would not be answering them.
"A-Anbu-san, could you p-please g-g-give these to Nar-Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked in a very quiet voice while holding out a small bouquet of flowers that she had picked up from the Yamanaka Flower Shop along the way to the hospital.
"I will do as you request Hyuuga-sama." He said accepting the bouquet. Turning he quickly opened the door and walked it, as he did another ANBU officer stepped outside to take up his position to guard the young jinchuriki.
As they made their way back to the compound Hinata was curious as to why they couldn't visit Naruto, and had activated her dojutsu as they walked away. However, the wall of chakra that was surrounding the room wouldn't let her see into it. That made her even more curious as to why they could not visit. "Hinata-Chan, it is impolite to use the byakugan to spy upon people, especially when the Hokage, himself, has forbidden us to visit today." Hina said, as she had noticed the spike of chakra right next to her.
"H-hai, kaa-san, I apologize for my ru-rudeness, I was just c-curious a-as to why we couldn't v-v-visit with Naruto-kun t-today." Hinata stuttered out her apology, completely embarrassed and slowly blushing hard enough to rival a tomato.
"I understand my Hinata-chan, but you must realize that it had to have been for a good reason that we were not allowed to visit, and we must respect the wishes of the Hokage, even if it is something that we do not wish to do sometimes."
Unbeknownst to both of the Hyuuga's a certain blonde boy was awake and speaking quietly with said third Hokage. The Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was about seventy years old and just as deadly now as he was when he was younger, possibly more so due to the fact that he was more seasoned as a warrior. However, lately he felt less like a warrior and more like a paper pusher. Though as he talked with Naruto he felt proud of how he had grown up and the maturity that he was currently showing.
"Naruto-kun, you must realize that you weren't supposed to find out about the Kyubi until much later in your life. However, you are still way too young to fully realize how much of a hero you are to this village even if the citizens don't realize it." Hiruzen said.
"Jiji, is that why everyone calls me a demon? That's the reason for all of the hateful glares, general over pricing of everything at most places, or why I can't enter some of the shops?" Naruto said as he looked down into his lap where his hands rested.
"That is the reason for them to do that Naruto, however, you have to realize that they don't understand that you aren't the demon, you are the jailor, and prison to the demon. You keep us safe every day that you are alive, and they don't realize that because they can't see past their fear of the past. Do not hold hatred for them, because they do not realize what they do." Hiruzen stated. However, he now knew that he would be interrogating most of the civilians because of their treatment of the boy.
"No jiji, I don't hold hatred to them, I want them to respect me, and I want to protect them. I will become Hokage, and I will protect them with everything I have, even if they hate me still. I will prove to them that I am not the kyubi, that I am Uzumaki Naruto, dattebayo!" Naruto said, finally looking up with such determination, and conviction, that the Third was hard pressed to not believe in the young blonde.
'He is just like his father, yet at the same time just like his mother, especially with the verbal tick that he has... Wonder if it is hereditary...' The old Hokage thought to himself with a small smile. "Naruto, there is also another reason that I am visiting you today. I would like to know what happened the night that you were almost killed. I know that it is pain for you, however, I need to know."
It was as he finished saying this that one of the ANBU posted at the door walked in, and bowed lowly. "I apologize for interrupting Hokage-Sama however, Lady Hyuuga and her eldest daughter was here, and wished for me to give these to young Uzumaki-san." He said holding out the small bouquet.
"I had visitors? I didn't think anyone would care to visit me... I wonder who it was, and if I know them..." Naruto said holding his hand out to receive the gift, and had a small smile filled with wonder on his face.
"I am sure young Uzumaki that you know Lady Hinata very well, though she is a bit shy. Perhaps when you are better you should go and thank her for her thoughtful gift?" The ANBU suggested, behind his mask however, was a small smile. He was happy that this young child was finally getting a friend, hopefully.
Immediately he watched as Naruto's face fell and was concerned, even the Hokage was concerned about the turn in emotion from the boy, normally he was always smiling no matter how bad life got, unless he was angry. However, they had never seen him frown as he was currently. "Thank you for giving me the flowers ANBU-san, I will make sure to thank her when I see her that is if she comes to visit again." He said politely, which worried the Hokage even more. If anything the formal tone with which the young blonde was speaking was very out of character.
"Naruto, is everything alright?" The wizened leader asked the young blonde boy whom he thought of as a grandson.
"Hai, jiji, everything is fine. We should get back to what we were talking about earlier... I don't really remember much though. But I guess I'll start from the beginning of the day. I had woken up and when I remembered that it was my birthday I was starting to prepare stuff for a small camping trip." as he said camping trip his left hand formed a fist. The elderly leader knew that this was Naruto's tell for when he was lying.
Continuing, without interruption "I was getting ready to pack some instant ramen, when I had just found out that I was out of everything to eat. Normally I'm more prepared however, I had forgotten that my birthday was coming around, and had been preoccupied as of late trying to study for the academy." Once again his fist closed, and Sarutobi smirked, he knew that the young jinchuriki was probably planning his next prank. "I had left my flat to go and get some food before going into the woods around my apartment complex and was wandering around. I found the best ramen stand ever! Dattebayo! They treated me like a person too!
"Anyway, after eating about 10 bowls of ramen, almost one of each flavor, I decided that, that was enough. Paying then left. I knew that there were a few people following me, and at first I thought nothing of it, it was still too early for any of the more rowdy people to come after the 'demon brat'. Soon though the group following me became pretty large and I started to run.
"I ran down the alleys however, I missed the turn that would take me around to the tower, and I ended up in a dead end. They closed me in and I noticed that there were a few ninja in the crowd. They tossed kunai and shuriken at me, after the one hit my chest, I don't remember anything." Naruto said as he once again looked down to his lap. He just wanted to get out of the hospital, he hated it here. Some of the staff was nice, and the others, well they hated him and the feeling was mutual.
"Naruto, I know that in at least two parts of that story you lied. You weren't going on a camping trip and you weren't studying for the academy. What were you really doing?" Sarutobi asked in a clear and demanding voice. He knew that if he asked any other way, Naruto wouldn't answer him honestly, and would fight tooth and nail to protect his cover story.
"I... I was going to hide for about two days in the forest, the people that hate me seem to give the worse beatings on my birthday, and I can understand why now. I wasn't studying for the academy; I was trying to learn fuinjutsu because it just seems so awesome! I have a small hide a way in the forest, it's under a large tree, and is kind of small, but I'm making it bigger." Naruto stated he was looking at his unofficial jiji with pleading eyes that begged him to not take it away.
"Naruto, I wish I could help you more, and protect you better. That way you wouldn't have to hide on your birthday. However, as much as I wish to say that I know what you are going through, I can honestly say that I don't." Hiruzen said, and in its own way it was true, he didn't really knew what it was like to be so hated by the people whom he lived around. Oh don't get him wrong, the 'professor' knew what it was like to be hated, you don't become one of the strongest shinobi of a nation, by not being hated, and fighting your way through the ranks.
Being hated, feared, and revered by your peers is an everyday part of life for a ninja, and if you weren't any or all of those, then you were doing something wrong. "Naruto, I want you to continue to study, and learn as much as possible, however, don't get good marks in school. You must always remember that a ninja's greatest tool is deception, and even though these are your comrades, sometimes you will have to face them in battle. It is best to play dumb now, and surprise them later, than be smart now, and then have them expect all of your attacks. Do you think you can do that for me?" Hiruzen asked.
"Sure thing jiji, but I have a question, what happened after I passed out?" Naruto was very curious, because it wasn't everyday that one survived being stabbed by a kunai in the chest. He was pretty sure it didn't get his heart but that was only because he was still alive and breathing; although it was really hard for Naruto to tell with all the bandages. He was pretty sure though that by the time they came off there wouldn't even be a scar, there never was.
He guessed it was just part of the Kyubi, but he wasn't sure of that either. What he didn't know was that he was partially right, it was part of the kyubi trying to keep his container alive, but it was also just part of his natural healing ability. His mother had, had the exact same ability, as had all Uzumaki's. Naruto just didn't know that because he didn't know about his parents and if Hiruzen had anything to say it would stay like that until Naruto could take on one of the elemental nations and win!
Or at least until he knew that Naruto wouldn't shout it from Hokage Mountain that he was the fourth's son. Whichever came first, but right now it was time to alleviate some of these thoughts that his favorite citizen was having. "No one is really sure what happened that night Naruto, by the time that anyone got there to help you. You were covered in your blood, and some of your attacker's blood as well, not only that they were dead. We had felt a blast of the kyubi's chakra and thought that it had broken free of the seal for a moment, however, while you were in a comatose state I had a seal master take a look at the seal and he said that it is still as strong as ever. Though because you were so close to death the kyubi was allowed to take control for a few minutes to protect you as you are its container and if you die so does it in a way.
"Because of this, you will have extra training along with what you learn in the academy. This training is not to be talked about, because no one is to know. When you are in the academy, do what the others do. Don't use anything that is taught to you from the training you are to receive. Hawk here will be you're instructor. He won't be easy on you, and I will hear of your progress on a daily basis. I don't want to hear about you giving him a hard time." The elder man said in a stern voice.
Naruto nodded with budding excitement for the training; however, deep inside his mind, he couldn't get past the fact that he had indirectly killed someone. Even though it was the kyubi's influence, and possession of his body, it had still been his body; the blood was on his hands. At least that was how Naruto thought about it.
'Finally I'm out of the hospital! That felt like forever!' Naruto thought as he walked through the doors and into the fresh air and brilliant sunshine. It was two weeks after Naruto's talk with Hokage-jiji and to Naruto it felt like a decade. Even though he had a few books and scrolls to read courtesy of Hawk and he had a visitor almost every day as soon as the academy let out.
Hinata had come by the following day to see the blonde reading through a really thick book on chakra and basic controlling techniques for it. She knew that for an academy student the reading material that he had was advanced, and he seemed confused over it. Although, when she walked in the room with her mother, he had hid the book rather fast, with a sheepish look on his face.
He didn't like hiding what he was doing, but he had a promise to the old man to keep, and if that meant that he had to look like an idiot while doing it then oh well. He had an act to keep up after all! Then again the first shinobi rule they taught at the academy is deception is what we, as shinobi do. So then this should be a cake walk. Oh, how he would come to loathe those words later in life.
"N-Naruto-kun, you're awake!" Hinata mumbled shyly, now hiding behind her mother. Hina just smiled at the young blonde, as he cocked his head sideways in the universal sign of confusion. "Uh, excuse me, but do I know you?" the blonde asked, and if it weren't for the Hyugas impressive training on keeping ones emotions held back tightly, Hina might have face-faulted... However, as it stood she looked at the blonde boy and at her daughter who was blushing and hiding behind her kimono.
"Hello, Uzumaki Naruto-kun, I am Hyuuga Hina, Hinata's mother. We have come to visit you and see if you were alright." Hina said, looking at the young boy who looked so much like his father. If she didn't know any better, she would have said that the Yondaime had been reborn.
Sheepishly, Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, "Yea I should be out of here tomorrow, at least that's what the doc says. They kept me a couple of days to keep an eye on me." Naruto said, "I can't wait to get out of here! DATTEBAYO!" Naruto said with a cheer.
He had always hated being in the hospital and he didn't know why. It might have been because the last time he was in the hospital, a nurse had tried to smother him, but that might not be it. He wasn't really sure anymore. Just that every time he passes the hospital shivers run down his spine, the fact that he was in the hospital now was almost enough to send him into a mild case of panic. However, his book was helping.
Hina watched as the young boy fidgeted, 'he isn't used to people' Hina thought to herself with a touch of sadness. "Well how about when you get out of the hospital Hinata, you and me meet at the park? I'm sure Hinata, would like a friend to play with." Hina said.
Hinata just eep'ed and buried her face more into her mother's kimono out of shyness. Though she really wanted to play with the energetic blonde boy, she was afraid that he would find her weird. She didn't have very good people skills, and her stuttering was a source of embarrassment to her.
"That would be nice, but I wouldn't want to be a bother." Naruto said, and as he said that a flash of pain flashed through his eyes. He knew what the other parents said to their children about him. He now knew the source of it, but still he wasn't the kyubi, he was Uzumaki Naruto and damn it, he was a person too!
"It wouldn't be a bother! Please, meet us at the park whenever you feel like it, we are there almost every day, after the academy lets out." Hina said with a reassuring smile. She hadn't missed the flash of pain, and she would do anything to make sure that he had at least one friend; she understood that the kunai is not the storage scroll.
Naruto looked stunned, the thought of having someone to play with was something he never thought that he would have. The expression upon his face must have given him away because Hina stepped forward and gave him a hug.
The ANBU in the room were not sure what to do, they had never the young boy so shocked. Sure they were around, and protected him. They might have had their reservations at first, about the jinchuriki however, after a while those thoughts were banished. Maybe, just maybe they should attempt to get closer to the boy, it couldn't hurt. They would bring it up to the Hokage at a later date.
Sooner than would be expected his impromptu visitors left, and the young boy returned to reading. Or at least that is what it looked like. The book was open in front of him; however, he wasn't seeing the words on the page. He kept thinking about the offer that the matron of the Hyuuga household had offered. It wasn't every day that he was invited out to play with a clan heads daughter.
Eventually though he shook the thought from his head, and returned to actually reading the book in front of him. It was horribly dry and the descriptions didn't make much sense to the young blonde. Not because it was badly written, but because he was used to being able to apply what he was reading while reading it. Walking on trees didn't seem possible with just chakra, however, he was sure once he tried to apply it, he would understand. However, he thought to himself, he would try water walking first, that way if he fell; he wouldn't crash into hard ground and end up in the hospital again. It just seemed logical to him.
When the nurse came to change the bandages again, and it was clear that there wasn't a wound, she smiled at him, but even he could see that the smile was strained and force. "Well you are almost good to go. I'll send a doctor to see you." She said, as she stood to leave. She gave one more glance back to see that the boy was just staring out the window, as though he hadn't even heard her
Finally, the doc had let him out and with a warning to be careful. Well how was he supposed to be careful when people were throwing kunai at him? It wasn't his fault he wasn't fast enough to dodge, or had eyes in the back of his head. He was just happy to get out of the hospital, running out the door with barely a by your leave, and a happy whoop for joy, he sprinted to his new favorite restaurant.
When he had walked into the restaurant he was still surprised to be greeted with such kindness that it left him frozen for a moment. He walked in and sat on a stool. "Hey, I remember you, you're that kid from a month ago who ate ten bowls!" Ayame exclaimed, she was about eighteen years old, with long brown hair tied off in a ponytail. "Hey dad, that kid is back!"
As Teuchi heard this he did a little jump with a fist pump before walking into the front of the small stand. He had seen the boy walking around a few times, and he always looked a little hungry, but he knew that the boy was an orphan. When the young blonde had walked in last month he had been surprised, when he ordered ten bowls one of each flavor. Before he had even started making the ramen, he had been skeptical that the eight year old could pay, and had asked to see the money.
When the boy had pulled out an overstuffed green toad wallet Teuchi had almost cried in joy. He knew that he would come to love this little munchkin who wanted so much ramen. As he made bowl after bowl of each flavor, and watched the boy scarf them down almost as fast as he was making them, he literally cried tears of joy. It had been so long since he had seen someone enjoy ramen as much as the boy had.
"Hey ossan, can you make me three bowls of ramen this time? I just got out of the hospital, and I don't have much money on me. I'll come back later more than likely, Dattebayo!" Naruto said with enthusiasm, and he stared at the old man that had walked through the curtain blocking the kitchen from the customers.
"Sure thing, any particular flavors?" Teuchi asked, though he was worried about how the boy had ended up in the hospital, hearing the rumors around town it wasn't that hard to understand what had happened. He watched the blonde shake his head and shrugged to himself. He would make the boy four bowls, one of which would be on the house. He had taken a shine to the youngster, and hoped that he would continue his business with the small ramen shop.
"Hey, kiddo, why were you in the hospital?" Ayame asked, leaning on the counter to stare at the young blonde. "You didn't fall from a tree, or accidentally get run over by a ninja did you?" She asked.
"No, the night I was here last, well that was my birthday. Normally I'm not found around that day, because everyone gets drunk and then they come and beat on me. I don't really remember what happened but I ended up in the hospital for a month." Naruto replied. "Don't ask me why they do it. I don't want to explain." He said, crossing his arms and putting on a stubborn pout.
Putting her hands up in front of her, "Alright alright, I won't ask. However, there is something I have to know, how can someone as small as you eat so much?" Ayame asked, she had never seen someone eat so much ramen before and it was with frightening speed with which this young boy put them away.
"I'm not small!" Naruto fairly growled out, however, that growl faded out, as a big steaming bowl of ramen was placed in front of him, and instead turned into starry eyes and drool out of the corner of the young boy's mouth. "OH Glorious bowls of godly noodles how I have missed you!" Naruto said with so much praise, before digging in with gusto.
A/N: Alright this is the rewrite of the prologue as you will have noticed it has gotten longer. I have combined the original prologue, chapters 1 and 2 to make this longer. While it seems a bit weird to do so I would rather have longer chapters then shorter chapters and a lower word count. One thing that has always annoyed me is chapters that are barely a thousand words… It's a pet peeve and so I am going through re-arranging the story and doing some minor changes as of now. Eventually though I'll start posting new chapters again however, school is taking up a lot more time than I thought it would.